The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially announced the exam dates for the Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) undergraduate-level examination for 2024, addressing the anticipation of millions of aspirants across India. This recruitment drive, one of the largest in the country, is set to fill thousands of vacancies in various non-technical roles within Indian Railways. Here’s everything candidates need to know about the RRB NTPC Exam Dates 2024, including the schedule, admit card details, and essential preparation tips.
Exam Schedule for RRB NTPC Undergraduate 2024
The RRB NTPC Undergraduate (UG) examination, conducted under CEN No. 06/2024, is scheduled to take place from August 7 to September 8, 2025. This month-long computer-based test (CBT 1) will cater to the massive number of applicants, estimated at over 6.3 million for undergraduate-level posts. The exam will be conducted in multiple shifts to accommodate the large applicant pool, ensuring a smooth and organized process.
The RRB has also clarified that the CBT 1 for Graduate-level posts (CEN No. 05/2024) was held earlier, from June 5 to June 24, 2025, with the provisional answer key already released on July 1, 2025. Candidates who appeared for the graduate-level exam can check their response sheets and raise objections until July 6, 2025. However, this article focuses primarily on the undergraduate-level exam details for 2024-2025.
Vacancies and Posts
The RRB NTPC 2024 recruitment aims to fill 11,558 vacancies, with 3,445 designated for undergraduate-level posts and 8,113 for graduate-level posts. The undergraduate-level positions include roles such as:
Commercial cum Ticket Clerk
Accounts Clerk cum Typist
Junior Clerk cum Typist
Trains Clerk
These posts are open to candidates with a minimum educational qualification of 12th (+2 Stage). The recruitment drive has attracted approximately 1.21 crore applications in total, with 63.26 lakh for undergraduate-level posts alone, underscoring the competitive nature of the examination.
Admit Card and City Intimation Slip
The RRB will release the RRB NTPC UG Admit Card 2025 approximately four days before the scheduled exam date. Candidates can download their hall tickets from the official RRB website, indianrailways.gov.in, or their respective regional RRB portals by entering their Registration Number, Date of Birth, and Captcha Code. The City Intimation Slip, which helps candidates plan their travel to exam centers, will be available starting July 28, 2025, on rrbapply.gov.in.
Candidates are required to carry their original Aadhaar card or an e-verified Aadhaar printout for biometric authentication at the exam center. The RRB has emphasized that candidates must ensure their Aadhaar remains unlocked in the UIDAI system to facilitate smooth entry and registration on exam day. Failure to comply with Aadhaar verification may result in candidates being denied entry to the exam hall.
Exam Pattern and Selection Process
The RRB NTPC UG examination consists of two stages of Computer-Based Tests (CBT):
CBT 1: This is a common screening test for all undergraduate-level posts, comprising 100 questions for 100 marks. The sections include:
General Awareness: 40 questions
Mathematics: 30 questions
General Intelligence and Reasoning: 30 questions The duration of the exam is 90 minutes, with a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for each incorrect answer.
CBT 2: Candidates who qualify in CBT 1 will be called for CBT 2, which is more role-specific and has a similar structure but with varying difficulty levels depending on the post.
Additional stages, such as Typing Skill Test (for clerical posts), Document Verification, and Medical Examination, will follow for shortlisted candidates, depending on the role applied for.
Preparation Tips for RRB NTPC 2024
With over 6 million candidates vying for just 3,445 undergraduate-level posts, preparation is key to standing out. Here are some tips to help candidates excel:
Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the syllabus for General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence and Reasoning. Focus on topics like Indian Railways, current affairs, basic arithmetic, and logical reasoning.
Practice Mock Tests: Regularly attempt mock tests to simulate exam conditions and improve time management.
Revise Basics: Brush up on fundamental concepts in mathematics and reasoning, as these sections require speed and accuracy.
Stay Updated: Keep an eye on the official RRB websites for updates on admit cards, exam city slips, and other notifications.
Health and Well-being: Maintain a balanced routine with adequate rest to stay focused during preparation.
How to Download Admit Card and City Intimation Slip
To download the RRB NTPC UG Admit Card 2025 or City Intimation Slip, follow these steps:
Visit the official RRB website or regional portal (e.g., rrbald.gov.in, rrbcdg.gov.in).
Click on the link for “RRB NTPC UG CBT 1 City Intimation Slip” or “Admit Card.”
Enter your Registration Number, Date of Birth, and Captcha Code.
Download and print the document for exam day.
Candidates are advised to download their admit cards well in advance to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Important Reminders
Aadhaar Verification: Ensure your Aadhaar is linked and unlocked in the UIDAI system.
Official Sources: Rely only on official RRB websites for updates, as fake exam date announcements have been circulating online.
Objection Window for Graduate-Level Exam: For those who appeared in the graduate-level CBT 1, the objection window for the provisional answer key closes on July 6, 2025.
📚 Preparation Tips for RRB NTPC 2025
Understand the Syllabus: Focus on topics like Current Affairs, Arithmetic, and Logical Reasoning.
Daily Practice: Solve previous years’ question papers and take online mock tests.
Time Management: Practice managing time during practice tests for better speed and accuracy.
Reading Habit: Read newspapers and general awareness magazines daily.
Focus on Weak Areas: Work more on subjects where your performance is relatively low.
Follow a Routine: A consistent study routine will help you retain better and stay motivated.